Ferrous Sulfate

What Is Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol)?

Feosol is the brand name of ferrous sulfate, an over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplement used to prevent or treat low levels of iron in the blood.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. Athletes, young women, vegetarians, and older adults are more likely to have iron deficiency than other people.

Ferrous sulfate is a mineral. It supplies iron to your body, which is needed to help your blood carry oxygen to your organs.

The medicine is often used to help people with iron-deficiency anemia, whose bodies have too few red blood cells because of poor diet, excess bleeding, other disorders, or pregnancy.

Ferrous Sulfate Warnings

You should keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Accidental overdose of products containing iron is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in kids. You should contact your doctor or poison-control center immediately if you suspect an overdose. You can reach a poison-control center at (800) 222-1222.

This medicine should not be used when you have particular medical conditions. You should tell your doctor if you have an iron-overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells), porphyria (a disorder that causes symptoms that affect the skin or nervous system), thalassemia (a disorder of the red blood cells), or any other blood disorder before taking ferrous sulfate.

You should also tell your physician if you have a history of alcohol use or abuse; liver problems; or stomach or intestinal problems, such as ulcers or colitis.

You should not take large doses of vitamins while taking ferrous sulfate, unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Ferrous sulfate may interfere with certain diagnostic tests. You should tell your doctor you are taking the medicine before having any tests performed.

You should avoid taking antacids or antibiotics up to two hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate.

If you are an older adult, you should take lower doses of this supplement. Higher doses may not be more effective, and you are more likely to get constipation from the drug than younger people.

Ferrous sulfate may be only one part of a treatment program that also includes a special diet. You should follow the diet plan your doctor advises.

Pregnancy and Ferrous Sulfate

This supplement should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. You should talk to your doctor about the risks of taking ferrous sulfate during pregnancy.

Ferrous sulfate passes into breast milk. You should talk to your doctor before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

Ferrous Sulfate and Other Interactions

Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol) Dosage

Ferrous sulfate comes as a regular, coated, and extended-release (long-acting) tablet; a regular and extended-release capsule; and an oral liquid (syrup, drops, and elixir) to take by mouth.

The recommended dosage of ferrous sulfate (usually given in milligrams, or mg) depends on your condition and the form of the product.

You should take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach with water or another type of liquid about one hour prior to or two hours after a meal. You can take the medicine with food or immediately after meals if you want to reduce the risk of having an upset stomach.

Ferrous Sulfate Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison-control center or emergency room immediately. You can call a poison control-center at (800) 222-1222. Symptoms of overdose may include:

Black, tarry, or bloody stools

Bluish skin or nails

Changes in the amount of urine produced

Flushing

Fainting

Chest pain

Coma

Dizziness

Dry mouth or eyes

Fast or difficult breathing

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Increased thirst or hunger

Seizures

Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain

Severe tiredness or drowsiness

Shortness of breath

Sluggishness

Unusually pale skin

Vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds

Missed Dose of Ferrous Sulfate

If you miss a dose of ferrous sulfate, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Ferrous Sulfate Pictures

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